Being able to feel a navel piercing bar, often a curved barbell, is a common concern. This feeling is often due to the simple mechanics of the jewelry placed within a relatively shallow layer of skin and tissue. Understanding the normal sensations and the anatomy of the area can help distinguish between a typical feeling and a sign of a potential issue.
Anatomy and Normal Sensation
The standard navel piercing passes through the fold of skin above the belly button, which is a soft and thin area of tissue, not cartilage. Because the jewelry, typically a curved barbell, spans a short distance through this tissue, sensing its presence is expected, especially when the surrounding tissue is recovering. This sensation can be heightened in a new piercing due to the natural inflammation and swelling that occurs as the body begins the healing process.
Feeling the bar is also influenced by the size and gauge of the jewelry itself. A slightly thicker or longer barbell, often used initially to accommodate swelling, may create a more noticeable presence beneath the skin. This feeling is not necessarily a sign of a problem, but rather the perception of a foreign object secured within a mobile area. The sensation should remain consistent and not be accompanied by increasing discomfort, which is the key distinction from a developing complication.
Differentiating Normal Feeling from Migration
The underlying worry when feeling the piercing bar is often that the jewelry is migrating. Migration is the initial stage where the body slowly attempts to push the jewelry out, treating it as a foreign invader. In a normal, healthy piercing, the feeling of the bar is stable, meaning the distance between the entry and exit holes remains constant over time.
Migration, however, presents with specific physical changes that can be tracked. A clear warning sign is when the visible length of the barbell appears to be increasing. The tissue holding the jewelry will also begin to thin, sometimes becoming red, irritated, or translucent, allowing the barbell to be seen through the skin like a thin line. This thinning means the distance between the two piercing holes is decreasing as the body forces the jewelry closer to the surface.
A normal sensation is a constant awareness of the jewelry’s presence, but migration causes the feeling to become more pronounced, sometimes accompanied by persistent soreness or a change in the way the jewelry hangs. Once migration has progressed, it is irreversible, and the jewelry must be removed to prevent further tissue damage and a significant scar. Taking weekly photographs of the area can provide an objective way to monitor for any subtle changes in the depth of the piercing.
When to Consult a Piercer or Doctor
If you observe the specific physical signs of migration, such as skin thinning or increased visibility of the bar, the appropriate first step is to consult with a professional piercer. They can assess the placement, confirm if migration is occurring, and safely remove the jewelry to minimize scarring. A piercer can also evaluate if the initial jewelry was improperly sized or if a change in material might improve the situation.
A medical doctor should be consulted immediately if you suspect an infection, which is a different issue than migration. Signs of infection include severe redness, a noticeable increase in swelling, and throbbing pain. Other symptoms requiring medical attention include:
- Thick discharge that is yellow, green, or gray.
- A fever.
- Red streaks spreading from the site.
- A foul odor.
Continuing with gentle, diligent aftercare, like saline soaks, helps prevent the irritation that can sometimes trigger migration or infection.